Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Stimson Beaver a pork pie maker, born 1855 in Stonesby, Leicestershire and his wife Ellen Beaver (nee Betts, married on the 26th November 1881 in the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire), born 1859 in Freiston, Lincolnshire. John William was born on the 16th November 1888 in Melton Mowbray. Leicestershire, and was baptised on the 20th January 1889 in Melton Mowbray, his siblings were Elizabeth Ann, a schoolgirl, born 1883, baptised on the 28th January 1883 in Melton Mowbray, Ada Ellen, a schoolgirl, born 1885, baptised on the 17th May 1885 in Melton Mowbray, Lilian Hannah, born 1887, baptised on the 16th January 1887 in Melton Mowbray and Bertie Stimpson, born 20th March 1891, baptised on the 27th August 1893 in Melton Mowbray all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, in April 1891 the family home was at 41, Southern Lane, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. In March 1901 John was residing in the family home at 41, Southern Lane, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a pork pie baker, his mother and siblings, Lilian and Ethel June, born 8th June 1899 in Melton Mowbray, baptised on the 16th July 1899 in Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 John was employed as a shoe trade clicker and was residing in the family home at 41, Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a baker, his mother and sibling Ethel, a schoolgirl. In the 3rd quarter of 1912 John married Maude M. Brown in the Wellingborough, Northamptonshire district. Maud was born on the 24th December 1887. They had two children, John William, born 11th June 1913 and Kenneth Gordon, born 3rd May 1916, both children were born in Melton Mowbray. In 1939 Maud remained a widow and was residing at 193, Winstanley Drive, Leicester together with her two sons, John and Kenneth, both engineering fitters. Maud died in the 1st quarter of 1965, in Leicester, aged 78.
The War Diary records: 23 Mar-18 – Early in the morning orders were received to retire to a line running from VRAIGNES to BOUVINCOURT, where the 4th EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT and the 5th YORKSHIRE REGIMENT were in the line and the 4th YORKSHIRE REGIMENT were in support. During the morning orders were received to retire on a prepared line on the RIVER SOMME. The retirement of the 4th EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT and the 5th YORKSHIRE REGIMENT was covered by the 4th YORKSHIRE REGIMENT who fought a rear guard action all the way back to LE MESNIL-BRUNTEL.
On reaching the RIVER SOMME the Brigadier General ordered one Company to hold the high ground East of BRIE. Afterwards this Company covered the retirement of the other troops across the RIVER SOMME and held the enemy in check until all the bridges except one had been destroyed. They then withdrew across this bridge which was immediately destroyed. The Battalion less one Company which had covered the retirement, joined the rest of the Brigade at VILLERS-CARBONNEL. The other Company went to the Transport Lines at BELLOY-EN-SANTERRE where they rested for the night.
Casualties.
Major H. BROWN, D.S.O., killed.
Acting Captain A. R. POWYS, missing.
2nd Lieutenant T. L. BENYON, wounded.
2nd Lieutenant A. R. STEIN, wounded.
The War Diary records: 24 Mar-18 – In the afternoon the Battalion was ordered to report to the 24th Brigade for duty and marched to MARCHELOPOT, where we spent the night.
On Friday April 26th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – LOSSES IN THE BIG BATTLES. – HEAVY MELTON CASUALTIES. – LOCAL SOLDIERS KILLED. – Official reports which have come to hand during the past week show that heavy casualties have been sustained amongst the Melton lads during the recent great German offensives. Quite a number of local soldiers have lost their lives, and the utmost sympathy will be extended to the bereaved relatives and friends. It is obviously impossible for us to ascertain all the local casualties which have been notified, and we shall esteem it a favour if our readers will acquaint us as early as possible after receiving information concerning the fate of their relatives at the front. Many rumours have been widely circulated which, upon inquiry, have proved unfounded, but quite a number of wives and parents are experiencing considerable anxiety because they have not heard from their husbands and sons for several weeks.
An official notification has been forwarded to Mrs. Beaver, 65, Rosebery-avenue, Melton Mowbray, from the Infantry Records Office, York, that her husband, Pte. J. W. Beaver, of the Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in action on March 22nd. He was 28 years of age, and joined up twelve months ago yesterday, going out to France last Boxing Day. Deceased was formerly in the employ of Messrs. Smith, Faire and Co., boot and shoe manufacturers, and was for some years a member of the Melton Division St. John Ambulance Brigade, holding the position of Corporal. His parents Mr. and Mrs. W. Beaver, live at 9, George-street, Melton Mowbray, and he leaves a widow and two young children.
And in the same issue under the heading, “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – THANKS. – Mrs. Beaver, 65, Rosebery Avenue, Melton Mowbray, desires to return her sincere thanks for the numerous expressions of sympathy which she has received in her bereavement.
On Friday May 3rd 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – THANKS. – Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and family, 9. George-street, Melton Mowbray, desire to thank all friends for kind expressions of sympathy to them in their recent bereavement.
And in the same issue under the heading, “MEMORIAL SERVICE.” – A very impressive service was held on Sunday evening at the C.E.M.S. Mission Church, Timber-hill, to the memory of Pte. John William Beaver, Leicestershire Regiment, who was killed in action on March 22nd. Deceased was previously a corporal in the Melton Division St. John Ambulance Brigade, and several of his fellow members attended in uniform. His wife and parents were also present. Supt. S. C. Hobson delivered a suitable address, in which he spoke highly of deceased’s work in connection with the St. John Ambulance Brigade, and of his bravery in making the highest sacrifice. Ambulance Officer S. Snodin read the lesson, and appropriate hymns were sung.
On Friday May 17th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL CASUALTIES. – The official casualty lists issued during the past week have included a very large number of Leicester’s, also of names of local men belonging to other regiments. Among them have been the following relating to this district, all being privates unless otherwise stated:- From Wednesday’s list:- Killed. – Yorkshire Regt. – Beaver, 243024 J. W. (Melton Mowbray).